Any party host worth their Prosecco will tell you that it’s all in the details, be it picking the right tipple to match your turkey or tunes to match your tableware. If you plan on throwing your own bash these holidays, we break down some of the most important elements to use to transform any occasion.
The drops
A party is only as good as its drinks – after all, they’re the first and last thing on the menu, so there’s no better time to invest in a bottle of something extra special than for your own soiree. For maximum return on investment, holiday cheer is always guaranteed with classic libations like Dom Pérignon sparkling wine, a smokey Japanese whisky or an aromatic red wine (Carina Lau’s newly-launched collection being a recently-established favourite) – many brands offering exquisite, special-edition bottles which double as decorative table accents.
The kit
The same way choosing a party outfit often requires military precision; the table – and barware for any holiday event; be it a lavish, Last Supper-inspired banquet or an intimate cocktail affair – should be treated with the same careful consideration. If there are any gaps in your repertoire, now’s also a great time to complete your collection with any missing bits and pieces. For traditional types, elegant glassware options abound with sleek, Baccarat tumblers or Astier de Villatte wine glasses, while Lalique’s ornamental decanters and RL Foote’s contemporary ceramics, for example, add a more playful yet polished twist.
The playlist
Holiday parties require no real musical prescription, but when it comes to Yuletide ballads, sorting the faff from the fabulous is nothing short of critical. This year, retire Mariah Carey in favour of John Legend’s feel-good A Legendary Christmas album featuring the likes of Esperanza Spalding and Stevie Wonder, leaving space for all your long-standing faves (Sinatra, Crosby, Berry, Presley), as well as your end-of-the-evening anthems.
